Government
of Canada helps People with Disabilities in the Peel Region Gain Job Skills
MISSISSAUGA,
ON, Nov. 22, 2013 /CNW/ -
The Government of Canada will help people with disabilities
in the Peel Region develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to
find jobs. The announcement was made today by Wladyslaw Lizon, Member of
Parliament for Mississauga East—Cooksville, on behalf of the Honourable Candice
Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).
"Canadians with disabilities have a tremendous amount
to offer employers, but they remain under-represented in our workforce,"
said Minister Bergen. "Our government's top priorities are creating jobs
and economic growth. To support Canada's long-term prosperity, we must ensure
that everyone who wants to work has the opportunity to do so."
"People with disabilities face particular challenges
entering the job market and that's why partnerships with organizations like
Family Services of Peel are so important," said Mr. Lizon.
The Family Services of Peel is receiving more than $209, 000
from the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This funding will
allow the organization to provide 60 participants the skills and hands-on
experience needed to enter and succeed in the job market. Participants
will also benefit from job coaching services to help them become more
independent and find employment.
"Employment provides, among other things, a connection
to the community, a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging," said Chuck
MacLean, Executive Director at Family Services of Peel. "This project,
funded by the Government of Canada, provides opportunities to individuals
experiencing difficulties in gaining employment because of a disability. This
can have an overwhelming positive impact upon their lives."
Economic Action Plan (EAP) 2013 proposes to maintain funding
at $40 million per year for the Opportunities Fund for People with
Disabilities starting in 2015-2016, so the program can provide even more
training to people with disabilities for in-demand jobs. Since 2006, the Fund
has benefited over 34 600 people with disabilities across Canada.
EAP 2013 also introduced other measures to support people
with disabilities. These include a new generation of Labour Market Agreements
for Persons with Disabilities, an extension of funding to the Enabling
Accessibility Fund to improve physical accessibility and research on the labour
market participation of people with disabilities.
The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities helps
people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or become
self-employed.
Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes new measures to
connect Canadians with available jobs and equip them with the skills and
training they need. These include the Canada Job Grant, creating opportunities
for apprentices and providing support to under-represented groups, including
people with disabilities, Aboriginal people, newcomers and youth.
In addition, Economic Action Plan 2013 will support the
following measures:
- introducing a new generation of Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities with an investment of $222 million per year to better meet the employment needs of Canadian businesses and improve the employment prospects for people with disabilities;
- extending the Enabling Accessibility Fund at a level of $15 million per year by funding 235 new projects to support the capital costs of construction and renovations to improve physical accessibility for people with disabilities and conduct research on labour market participation; and
- providing funding of $7 million per year for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, some of which will support research related to the labour market participation of people with disabilities.
For
more information about the Opportunities Fund, or to propose a project, visit servicecanada.gc.ca.
SOURCE
Canada's Economic Action Plan
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